Sterling Silver Palao Hook Pendant

The highest ranking chiefs wore lei niho palaoa-necklaces with a pendant made from a sperm whale tooth. The ivory tooth was carved in the shape of a tongue. These lei signified the absolute authority of the wearer to speak. The lei, or necklace portion, was made of braided human hair collected from family members. The lei provided the wearer with mana, or power, from his or her ancestors.

• Sterling Silver
• 30mm(1 1/5″) x 9mm(23/64″)
• 18″ black cord included
• From Honolulu, Hawaii